SJC Interns • Conor Johnson ‘18

For a political science major during an election year, the classroom is already animated. To immerse yourself within the history of that election is on an entirely different level. Earlier this summer, Conor Johnson '18 was awarded a spot at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. His internship program was designed to give highly-motivated students such as him an inside look at how the 2016 Democratic National Convention is put together. Conor had the opportunity to learn what goes on behind the scenes as a political convention. He heard from a number of influencers on both sides of the aisle, framing the issues in a bipartisan fashion. His experience was one he'll remember for a lifetime.

August 9 • Post-Internship Reflections

"I will have the ability to tell my children and grandchildren that I was there in 2016, when Hillary Clinton became the first woman ever nominated for president by either of the major political parties."

"When I learned this past semester that I had been accepted into the Washington Center’s academic seminar to attend one of the major national conventions this summer, I was thrilled. I chose the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, knowing I would get to see all of the historical landmarks of the city, and that I would see the sitting President of the United States deliver a speech in person.

"Leading up to the convention, my goal was to have the opportunity to soak in the experience, to be a part of history in the making. As someone who has always been interested in history, this has bred into an interest in politics and government over time. I have always read about past elections, campaigns, and conventions, and my goal is to look back and remember being a part of this one.

Conor Johnson '18 standing in Independence Hall, where both the United States Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and adopted.

"The experience in Philadelphia was incredible. The four days at the DNC were preceded by roughly a week of guest speakers, lectures, and group discussions to give more background into the origins of political conventions and the roles they play, as well as what to expect from the convention that was to come.

"I was a witness to an enormous amount of history, as I had the rare privilege of seeing two presidents (one former, one current) speak in person. I had the opportunity to meet Vice President Joe Biden, CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer, NYC Mayor Bill di Blasio, Reps. John Lewis and Joe Kennedy III, and former 2016 presidential candidate Martin O’Malley. I was on the floor of the convention hall for the roll call, the moment that Hillary Clinton was nominated by the Democratic Party as its candidate for president.

"I had the chance to meet incredible people, forged lasting personal connections through this experience, and I made memories that truly will last a lifetime. I learned a great deal, and I have used this experience to spur on intellectual and academic growth."

"I had the chance to meet incredible people, forged lasting personal connections through this experience, and I made memories that truly will last a lifetime. I learned a great deal, and I have used this experience to spur on intellectual and academic growth. I remain humbled by all of the history I witnessed. Seeing Bill Clinton and President Barack Obama, two of the more gifted speakers of recent administrations, speak in person was a thrilling part of the event. But the pinnacle was the night that Hillary Clinton accepted the party’s nomination and made history.

"I want to give my sincerest thanks to Dr. Stephen Rockwell and everyone at St. Joseph’s College who allowed me to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

"I will have the ability to tell my children and grandchildren that I was there in 2016, when Hillary Clinton became the first woman ever nominated for president by either of the major political parties. I want to give my sincerest thanks to Dr. Stephen Rockwell and everyone at St. Joseph’s College who allowed me to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Get social with SJC

Get social with SJC

Esse non videri — “To be, not to seem.”

The mission of St. Joseph’s College is to provide a strong academic and value-oriented education at the undergraduate and graduate levels, rooted in a liberal arts tradition that supports provision for career preparation and enhancement. READ OUR FULL MISSION.